Chapter 3 Contractual Marriage
It's another beautiful day, with cotton candy-like flowers hanging in the air, just like the ones Si Xiaotie loves to eat.
2:30 p.m.
The translation team entered the venue early, and Lin Ke, along with Ma Chanchan who was so nervous she could barely speak, had a final meeting with Shen Wan, the project leader of Entropy Domain, to discuss the meeting's agenda and key points.
At 2:55, someone came to the door. Shen Wan smiled and nodded: "President Si."
Lin Ke turned around and saw the man she had parted ways with that morning.
He was still wearing a black suit today. The well-tailored suit perfectly outlined the sharp lines of his broad shoulders and narrow waist. A black agate cufflink flashed on his wrist, the only decoration in the whole outfit.
The man has perfect facial features and a tall figure. Due to his genetic factors, three-and-a-half-year-old Si Xiaotie is also several centimeters taller than children of the same age, and his little face, which is five or six parts similar to his, is already praised by everyone.
To be honest, Si Xiaotie is more like him. Although his facial features only make up half of his face, his actions and expressions are about 80-90% similar. Especially when he is bold, his aura of fearlessness is exactly the same as his.
Her gaze didn't linger for long; she nodded slightly in greeting, "Hello, Mr. Si."
Si Yuming glanced at it but didn't pay much attention, and stepped inside.
Shen Wan assumed it was their first meeting and comforted him, saying, "Although President Si isn't usually that approachable, he keeps his personal and professional life separate, so there's no need to be afraid of him."
Lin Ke smiled and replied, "Okay."
As the meeting was about to begin, Lin Ke and Ma Chanchan took their seats at the interpreter's table.
Consecutive interpreting, also known as interactive interpreting, is a method in which the interpreter translates after the speaker finishes speaking. It is usually used in scenarios where high accuracy in translation is required, and it demands strong oral communication skills and professional expertise from the interpreter.
Lin Ke didn't expect him to come. Putting everything else aside, just the sight of him sitting there was intimidating.
Looking to the side, I saw that the little girl was indeed so nervous that her hands were shaking.
She gently comforted them, "Don't be afraid, it's okay if you're wrong. They don't understand Russian, so whatever you say is right."
Ma Chanchan immediately relaxed and smiled, "Sister Ke, what you said makes so much sense."
"Today is only the first meeting. We're basically discussing the things we've already discussed. As long as the important data is correct, there shouldn't be any major problems." Lin Ke held her hand. "If there's anything you're unsure about, just tap me, and I'll translate it."
Ma Chanchan regained her strength from her gentle gaze, "I understand, Sister Ke, I will try my best."
"come on."
After speaking, Lin Ke looked up and met the gaze that seemed to be casually sweeping over her from the person in the main seat. She quickly looked away and looked down at the materials.
The other company's connection was confirmed on the large screen, the room fell silent, and the meeting officially began.
The initial exchanges mainly consisted of pleasantries, compliments, and expressions of anticipation for cooperation, which Ma Chanchan handled without much difficulty. However, as the cooperation negotiations progressed, she became increasingly strained, and the waiting time grew longer and longer.
The first error occurred when the Moscow side introduced its market share; Ma Chanchan translated 13 as 30.
No one noticed, but Lin Ke subconsciously looked over and, sure enough, the man in the main seat was frowning deeply.
Ma Chanchan had already noticed her mistake and was so flustered that she froze after the other person finished speaking the next part.
Lin Ke didn't have time to think about anything else and spoke up urgently.
She then completed the translation for the next hour.
The meeting ended and the other party logged off.
Lin Ke looked up and met that deep gaze once again, as if he had been staring at it for a long time.
After a moment, the man slowly stepped back, raised his hand to straighten his cuffs, and the dial of his wristwatch gleamed with a cold blue light under the lamp.
A simple gesture caused everyone at the conference table to stop talking and wait for his possible instructions.
Shen Wan's reminder before the meeting was not without reason. Lin Ke had never worked with him, but in the two weeks since entering the Entropy Domain, she had heard many cases of how General Manager Si was extremely decisive and strict in his work. They said that even long-time employees who had worked for more than 20 years were questioned by him on the spot and left speechless.
So I'm also panicking right now, worried that he'll seize on this mistake and make a scene.
The man glanced at her again, his voice low and emotionless: "Manager Lin, you've worked hard."
Lin Ke breathed a sigh of relief and immediately pulled Ma Chanchan away from the conference room.
Take a five-minute break.
Xu Linxin replaced the water with a glass of warm water.
Shen Wan, who was sitting on the right, stepped forward and asked, "Mr. Si, how is it?"
Originally, she wanted to find out how her first attempt to contact the company went, but the man raised his dark eyes and asked first, "Who recommended the translation team?"
Shen Wan has been with the company for nearly six years and knows what kind of person this boss is; he would never ask this question for no reason.
Her mind raced, and the only reason she could think of was that Lin Ke had inexplicably taken on the translation work earlier, probably because something had happened to that girl, Ma Chanchan.
Shen Wan quickly said, "It's Wanxiang Wisdom Translation Company, which we've worked with before. Lin Ke is their top Russian translator. After working with them for two weeks, I personally think Lin Ke's team is quite good. As for just now... Ma Chanchan just graduated not long ago... Mr. Si, I'll try my best to let Manager Lin handle things from now on."
Si Yuming raised his water glass, took a sip, and gently put it down. There was no blame in his words, "No need, just let Manager Lin arrange it."
"OK."
......
It ended at 16:05, half an hour earlier than expected.
Reaching the 23rd floor, Ma Chanchan, filled with guilt, finally dared to speak, "Sister Ke... I'm sorry..."
“It’s alright, it’s not a big mistake. There’s no such thing as a perfect translator who never makes a mistake.” Lin Ke said seriously, “But Chanchan, in our line of work, it’s a big no-no to go blank when you make a mistake. No matter how many mistakes you make, you have to finish this meeting.”
Ma Chanchan's eyes reddened. "I understand, Sister Ke."
"Alright, go back and adjust your mindset. You can go next time."
"Huh??" Ma Chanchan wiped her eyes and caught up with the woman walking like the wind. "I'm going again?"
"Yes, until you successfully complete a translation."
"Okay, alright." Seeing that she was walking quickly, Ma Chanchan asked again, "Sister Ke, are you going to pick up the baby?"
"We won't answer today. Let's review what we just covered and go through it again for you."
Ma Chanchan let out another small "ah".
They were busy until 5:30, and no one bothered them during that time.
However, Ma Chanchan was still one of her people, so Lin Ke sent him a message before leaving work: "[It was my fault today. I promise I won't make a similar mistake again.]"
He didn't reply, so Lin Ke packed her things and left work.
Unfortunately, we ended up in the same elevator again, but this time it was packed with people.
Lin Ke was almost the last to go in, squeezing in by the door.
A moment later, my phone chimed with a message notification, abruptly breaking the tense atmosphere in the elevator, which was already strained because my boss was there.
Lin Ke looked up awkwardly and asked: "Didn't you go pick up Xiao Tie?"
She thought about it for a moment, then didn't reply.
A few seconds later, another message came: [Let's go back to the old house together later.]
Everyone looked at her.
Xu Lin noticed his boss, who was constantly typing on his phone.
Lin Ke quickly muted her phone and replied: 【Why are you going back?】
"bite--"
This time, the voice came from the boss.
Lin Ke was terrified and, regardless of whether he replied or not, dared not look at her phone again.
......
Lin Ke only remembered something after getting into the car.
Today is the birthday of Si Yuming's older sister, Si Yun.
The Si family has a distinguished military record since the generation of the great-grandfather. The grandfather was an even more important figure who could not be easily mentioned. Si Yuming's father was also very influential. Unfortunately, when Si Yuming was about ten years old, an "accidental" car accident took the lives of him and his wife. After that, the old man no longer allowed Si Yuming to go into politics.
After her parents passed away, the eldest sister became like a mother to her. By then, Si Yun, who was already an adult, took care of the elderly and her younger brother, shouldering the heavy responsibility of the Si family.
Si Yun is an indelible presence for Si Yuming and the Si family. The fact that Si Yuming chose to move out and leave the old house to her when the old man passed away speaks volumes.
However, Lin Ke and Si Yun did not get along.
Her grandfather was once a subordinate of Mr. Si. Before she was eight years old, several families lived in the same compound. Later, her father went bankrupt due to failed investments and had to move out of the compound.
Later, when the old man was nearing the end of his life, he arranged for her to marry Si Yuming, replacing Si Yun, who had originally chosen him as her fiancée...
My thoughts were interrupted by a phone call from Si Yuming.
She hung up immediately and texted: "I'll go myself."
She forgot it was Si Yun's birthday today, so she hadn't prepared anything. She needed to get a gift first.
Lin Ke called her friend Zhang Man and briefly explained her purpose. Zhang Man said that she happened to have a new bag, so Lin Ke immediately drove over.
Zhang Man was her college classmate. After graduation, she didn't work as a translator properly. She worked as a tour guide for a while, and later, after traveling extensively both domestically and internationally, she started dealing in luxury goods, which is now thriving.
Lin Ke picked up the bag, looked it over but couldn't figure it out. "I'm giving this to Si Yuming's sister, so please don't give me a fake bag."
Zhang Man glanced at her with displeasure, "Do you think I'm that kind of person? Besides, others may not know, but I know what kind of tumultuous relationship you have with your sister-in-law. Would I push you into a fire pit?" She then added cautiously, "But Keke, this bag isn't cheap."
The Si family is wealthy, and the Lin family has also become quite rich in recent years, but none of that belongs to her.
She saved all the money Si Yuming gave her, except for her daily living expenses, for Si Xiaotie. She only had the money she had earned from working for the past two years, and this bag would take up almost a third of it.
Lin Ke gritted her teeth and handed over the bag, saying, "Wrap it up."
It was already seven o'clock when we arrived at the Si family's old house after picking up the gifts.
The villa was brightly lit, and laughter filled the air.
Lin Ke sat in the car for a while before getting in.
The room was silent for a moment when the door opened, and then the sound of talking rose and fell again.
My younger cousin, Wenmiao, who's closer to me, came over and said, "Sister-in-law, you're finally here! We've been waiting for you for so long!"
Lin Ke smiled and walked with her to Si Yun, a smile on her face. "Happy birthday, sister."
Si Yun smiled and accepted the gift. "Thank you. It's good that you're back. There's no need to spend money. Xiao Tie and Manman are playing inside."
"Okay, I'll go take a look."
Lin Ke took the opportunity to leave and went to the study on the first floor.
Manman is Siyun's son, who just started elementary school this year.
Si Yun was very strict. The little boy was usually very well-behaved and hardworking, but whenever the mischievous Si Xiaotie went to play with his older brother, she worried that Si Yun would glare at her daughter.
As soon as the door opened, sure enough, Si Xiaotie was seen chattering away beside the boy who was practicing calligraphy. The little boy was sitting up straight, his expression meticulous.
When Si Xiaotie saw her, he shouted, "Mom!"
Qin Mancheng also looked over and obediently greeted her, "Hello, Auntie."
Lin Ke responded and went to the two children. She glanced down at the little boy's writing and was immediately surprised that the powerful calligraphy on the paper was written by a six-year-old boy.
"Manman wrote really well."
Si Xiaotie tugged at her trouser leg, complaining pitifully, "Mom, I want to write too, but my brother won't let me. He says I don't know how!"
Lin Ke laughed and tapped her forehead, "You can't even hold a pen properly, how could you write?"
"But you can learn if you don't know how! How will you know if you don't try? I want to be as good as my brother! He's super awesome!"
Qin Mancheng blushed at the praise and got up from her chair, saying, "Then Xiao Tie will write it."
"Okay, okay." Si Xiaotie climbed onto the chair using both hands and feet. Since he wasn't tall enough, he knelt down and held the pen completely in his small hand. "Brother, is this how it is?"
Qin Mancheng felt a headache coming on when he saw his younger sister's pen-holding posture. "Hmm, Xiao Tie, practice like this first."
Si Xiaotie started scribbling on the paper.
The little boy's serious face was completely unbearable to look at.
A moment later, he ran off, moved a small chair, stood on it, took the girl's hand, and began to teach her, "Xiao Tie, I'll teach you how to write your name."
"OK."
"manage--"
"happy--"
The last character, "臻," was a bit complicated, but it didn't stump the six-year-old boy, Qin Mancheng, who wrote it down with ease.
But the owner of the name was getting a little impatient, "Brother, there are so many of these."
"This is the character '臻' (zhen)."
"I don't like it, I want to write about Xiao Tie!"
"Okay, let's write about Xiao Tie."
When the aunt opened the door, the brother and sister were writing enthusiastically, and the paper was still covered with scribbles.
Lin Ke called a halt: "Alright, let's go celebrate Aunt's birthday."
Upon hearing this, Si Xiaotie put down his pen without hesitation, jumped off the chair, took her hand, took two steps, then turned back and took Qin Mancheng's hand again, "Come on, brother! Let's go eat cake!"
There were more people in the living room than before, and everyone was busily gathered around today's main character.
A faint, lingering rose fragrance filled the air. Lin Ke's eyes flashed, and she saw the unexpected source of the scent, causing her to freeze.
Two children squeezed into the crowd and gathered around the cake. She followed them and stood quietly to the side and behind, glancing forward from time to time.
Lin Ke was unaware that Si Yun had arranged a fiancée for Si Yuming, nor did she know who this fiancée was.
Later, one day, she finally understood that it was Jiang Chengyin, who often came to Si Yun's house to keep her company, Jiang Chengyin, who went to school with Si Yuming, and Jiang Chengyin, the only daughter and heir of the Jiang Group.
At that moment, the beautiful and charming woman was smiling and talking to Si Yun. When she saw the two children, she squatted down to take their hands and took out gifts she had prepared in advance from her bag. "Manman, Xiaotie, these are little gifts that Auntie prepared for you."
Qin Mancheng took the cake and said thank you obediently. Si Xiaotie, who was eager to eat the cake, also quickly said thank you, then stuffed the small bag into his brother's hands and eagerly looked up at Si Yun, urging, "Auntie, Auntie, Xiaotie wants to eat cake!"
Jiang Chengyin's face showed embarrassment for a moment, but she quickly recovered and stood up to help cut the cake.
Suddenly the door opened, and everyone looked over.
The little girl peeked through the gaps between the adults and shouted, "Daddy!"
Si Yuming picked up his daughter, scanned the room with his eyes, and then stopped in front of Lin Ke. Si Xiaotie twisted her body and moved back into her mother's arms, "Mom, I want to sing Happy Birthday to Auntie!"
Lin Ke glanced at the man in front of her, a slight smile playing on her lips: "Okay, let's sing Happy Birthday."
......
The old house was bustling until almost 10 o'clock, when the guests began to leave one after another.
The two children had long since run out of energy. Qin Mancheng went upstairs early to take a bath and go to bed, while Si Xiaotie was also dozing off in his father's arms, his little head nodding.
Si Yuming carried the child to the garage first, while Lin Ke followed behind, packing Si Xiaotie's schoolbag.
"Lin Ke".
Lin Ke paused, stopping her movements.
Si Yun approached, her gaze falling on the father and daughter who were walking away. After they disappeared around the corner, she looked at them and asked clearly, "Do you still remember the agreement between you and me?"
Lin Ke gripped the backpack strap and calmly replied, "I remember."
Five years.
Five years later, the agreement ended, and they divorced.
A note from the author:
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